Guide to the Akerman and Company records, 1854-1884
John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts
Box A
Brown University
Providence, RI 02912
Telephone: Manuscripts: 401-863-3723; University Archives: 401-863-2148
Email: Manuscripts: hay@brown.edu; University Archives: archives@brown.edu
Published in 2014
Collection Overview
| Title: | Akerman and Company records |
| Date range: | 1854-1884 |
| Creator: | Akerman and Company |
| Extent: | 0.25 Linear feet |
| Abstract: | Collection of 8 items concerning the business partnership of Charles Akerman and Thomas B. Rawson, bookbinders and stationers in Providence, Rhode Island. |
| Language of materials: | English |
| Repository: | John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts |
| Collection number: | MS.2014.015 |
Scope & content
The collection contains 8 items documenting the business relationship between Charles Akerman and Thomas B. Rawson. The documents include an account book kept by Rawson, financial statements, partnership agreements between the two men, a letter, and a copy of the Act to incorporate Akerman Company by the Rhode Island General Assembly. The only item not related to the business is a handwritten description and history of the Rawson family coat of arms.Access Points
Subject Names Subject Topics Document Types Subject TopicsArrangement
The items are arranged chronologically.
Biographical/Historical note
Charles Akerman (b.1812, New Hampshire; d. 14 Apr 1879, Providence, RI) worked as a bookbinder and stationer in Providence, Rhode Island beginning as early as 1850. He hired Thomas B. Rawson (b. 30 Nov 1837, Rhode Island; d. 11 Apr 1921, Providence, RI ) as an apprentice in 1854 starting at $2.00 a week. Rawson was given pay raises and promotions quickly. On September 1, 1864, Charles Akerman and Thomas B. Rawson became partners in the business they called Akerman & Company. That partnership continued until the death of Akerman. Rawson then partnered with George T. Paine and the Rhode Island General Assembly incorporated their business as Akerman Company in 1880.Access & Use
| Access to the collection: | There are no restrictions on access, except that the collection can only be seen by prior appointment. Some materials may be stored off-site and cannot be produced on the same day on which they are requested. |
| Use of the materials: | Although Brown University has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. Researchers should note that compliance with copyright law is their responsibility. Researchers must determine the owners of the literary rights and obtain any necessary permissions from them. |
| Preferred citation: | Akerman and Company records, Ms.2014.015 Brown University Library. |
| Contact information: | John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts Box A Brown University Providence, RI 02912 Telephone: Manuscripts: 401-863-3723; University Archives: 401-863-2148 Email: Manuscripts: hay@brown.edu; University Archives: archives@brown.edu |
Administrative Information
| ABOUT THE COLLECTION | |
| Acquisition: | This collection was purchased by the Brown University Library in 2008. |
| ABOUT THE FINDING AID | |
| Author: | Finding aid prepared by Karen Eberhart. |
| Encoding: | This finding aid was produced using the Archivists' Toolkit 2014-05-22 |
| Descriptive rules: | Finding aid based on Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS) |
Additional Information
Inventory
| Folder 1 | Account book of Thomas B. Rawson Contents Note: Rawson records wages earned while an apprentice at Akerman's. [32] p.; 17 cm. Flexible calf-covered wrappers. Rawson began work as an apprentice on Feb. 6, 1854 at $2.00 per week and rose to become a partner in 1864. Entries mostly in ink, some pencil, in a clear, legible hand. |
1854-1865 |
| Folder 1 | Indenture between Charles Akerman and Thomas B. Rawson Contents Note: Establishes a business partnership between the two men as bookbinders. The name of the firm was Akerman and Company, the terms of the partnership was for seven years. 3 p.; 31 cm. |
1864 August 31 |
| Folder 1 | Letter to Thomas Rawson from Charles Akerman Contents Note: Providence, Rhode Island. 2 p.; 21 cm. To Thomas Rawson from Charles Akerman, who is pleased to continue the partnership and lists generous financial terms. On letterhead of Akerman & Company, 5 Washington Building, Blank Book & Pattern Card Manufactory. |
1871 August 16 |
| Folder 1 | Indenture between Charles Akerman and Thomas B. Rawson Contents Note: Providence, Rhode Island. 3 p.; 35 cm. Indenture renewing their partnership. |
1871 September 1 |
| Folder 1 | Statement of assets and debts Contents Note: 1 leaf; 34 cm. List includes sales, purchases, expenses (salaries, tools, marbling, ruling, gilding, printing), assets and debts. |
1879 May 1 - 1880 May 1 |
| Folder 1 | An Act to Incorporate the Akerman Company Contents Note: 1 leaf; 36 cm. State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. General Assembly. The General Assembly incorporated the company “. . .for the purpose of manufacturing stationery, paper, and all kinds of stationers’ and bookbinders’ supplies and the general conduct of the printing business…” The document lists Thomas B. Rawson and George T. Paine as the principals in the business. |
1880 May |
| Folder 1 | Statement of Akerman Company Contents Note: 1 leaf; 35 cm. List of assets and debts. |
1884 June 30 |
| Folder 1 | The Rawson Family Coat of Arms Contents Note: 3 p.; 22 cm. An explanation of the history and description of the Rawson coat of arms. The last paragraph suggests that Rawson intended to print his family crest. With contemporary envelope marked “Coat of Arms.” |
undated |